We’ve all been there. You’re driving to work or school wondering if you should stop for coffee, but before you reach the parking lot, everything changes. You see odd movement out of the corner of your eye/rear-view mirror or hear screeching tires, and then you’re stuck – waiting for the police. That’s if you are lucky. If you are unlucky, you are waiting for the ambulance. It pays to be prepared. If you are in a car accident, here are five mistakes not to make.

1. Not Calling the Police

The only official record of your auto accident will be through the police. This is the only way to officially document the time, place, and participants in the accident. For most accidents, and especially when other drivers are involved, call 911 and the police will have an official record of the weather conditions, fault and depiction of what happened.

Often, drivers involved in an accident will strike an agreement with the other party of a wreck in order to keep it unofficial. This will only help one person in the accident, and it probably won’t be you. If the other party is insistent on not calling the authorities, get back into your car – if you can – and call the police. The person avoiding the police may not even have a license or insurance, which would leave you in a bind.

If the accident didn’t involve other drivers, and the damage is minor and cosmetic, it’s an option to not involve the police, but in this case you also shouldn’t report it to the insurance company. This would be in very limited circumstances, such as hitting a curb in your neighborhood, bumping into the side of the garage or the mailbox. You can always consult with your insurance agent, if you have questions.

2. Not Taking Pictures

Most people, these days, have cell phones. Take pictures of the accident. You not only need shots of your vehicle, but of the other vehicles involved as well. Also get shots of the scene, including the spot where the collision happened and where the cars finally stopped. Also, take pictures of the people involved, and their information if possible.

3. Not Obtaining Insurance Information

Give your insurance information to the other driver, but be sure to also get his or her insurance information, too. Getting a quick picture on the phone is easier and better then handwriting the details. The police will also need it, but make sure you keep a copy.

4. Not Visiting the Doctor

Serious injuries are not always apparent. Not getting checked by the doctor, can lead to life-threatening complications. For example, getting thrown into a shoulder harness may only result into what appears to be a bruise. However, first responders and qualified medical professionals can find a carotid artery nicked or bruised, leading to internal bleeding. It is also really hard to get an insurance company to pay for medical injuries, if the claim is filed days or weeks after an accident.

5. Not Contacting Your Insurance Company

Be the first one to call your insurance company. Your rates will not go up if you let them know you have been in a wreck, and it will not count against you if you were not issued a ticket. Even more importantly, you may lose some of your legal rights if the insurance company is blindsided. Insurance rates are based on risk and trust. They will find out one way or another, it’s best for you as the insured driver to discuss with your auto insurance agent.